Lewis Hamilton might be comforted by Ferrari’s sturdy type amid his and Mercedes’ disappointing begin to the 2024 Components 1 season, in keeping with Sky Sports activities F1’s Karun Chandhok.
Hamilton surprised the sporting world by agreeing a 2025 change to the Italian crew forward of the beginning of this season, with the seven-time world champion calling time on a 12-year stint at Mercedes.
The early indicators are that, from a aggressive standpoint, Hamilton’s choice could show to be a wise one, with Ferrari comprehensively outperforming Mercedes over the primary three races.
“It’s natural that Lewis will feel comforted,” Chandhok stated.
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Hamilton says the hole from Mercedes to Pink Bull is identical as final yr after he retired from the Australian Grand Prix following an engine failure
“He is aware of he is in all probability not going to win the world championship this yr until there’s a miraculous turnaround, so he would possibly as nicely look to the longer term.
“And at the moment, the Ferrari is a better package than the Mercedes.”
Was Hamilton anticipating Mercedes struggles?
Hamilton completed seventh and ninth respectively on the opening two races in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia, earlier than retiring from the Australian Grand Prix with an engine failure having solely certified eleventh.
In the meantime, Ferrari picked up podium finishes behind Pink Bull one-twos on the opening two races, earlier than Carlos Sainz took benefit of Max Verstappen’s retirement to guide the Italian crew to a one-two of their very own from Charles Leclerc in Melbourne.
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Karun Chandhok says Hamilton cannot predict what will occur along with his Mercedes for the time being which is costing him time on the monitor
The knowledge of Hamilton’s final change, from McLaren to Mercedes in 2013, was questioned on the time however it proved a masterstroke as he went on to win six drivers’ titles in seven seasons from 2014 to 2020.
Whereas Hamilton has insisted the important thing motivation for his transfer to Ferrari is fulfilling a “childhood dream”, Chandhok believes the choice could have additionally been impacted by the place the Brit believes his greatest probability of sealing a file eighth title will come.
“The timing of his decision, it couldn’t have been out of nothing,” Chandhok stated.
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Carlos Sainz and Frederic Vasseur have a good time Ferrari’s large victory in Australia!
“The timing suggests he had some inkling that it wasn’t going to be great, so I might as well take the chance to try something new.
“If he thought Mercedes had been going to present him a automobile that might win him the championship this yr and in 2025, I do not suppose he would have left.
“We all know what happened with Max’s retirement, but I imagine Lewis took a little bit of satisfaction at seeing the Ferrari one-two.”
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Highlights of the Australian GP from Albert Park, Melbourne
Why is Russell outperforming Hamilton?
Whereas Mercedes have failed to offer Hamilton with a aggressive automobile, the 39-year-old has additionally appeared to fail to get probably the most out it, with team-mate George Russell outperforming him.
Russell has established a 3-0 qualifying head-to-head benefit over Hamilton to begin the season, and completed forward on the first two races earlier than additionally retiring in Australia.
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Carlos Sainz produces an unbelievable efficiency to win the Australian Grand Prix for a Ferrari 1-2, whereas George Russell crashes out on the ultimate lap for a Mercedes double DNF
“I don’t think even Mercedes or Lewis will have a clear answer for why it’s happening,” Chandhok stated.
“So far, Lewis just doesn’t look like he’s found a happy balance with the car.
“I do not suppose he is been proud of the automobile at any level this season.”
Sky Sports F1’s live Japanese GP schedule
Thursday April 4
5am: Drivers’ press convention
Friday April 5
3am: Japanese GP Apply One (session begins at 3.30am)*
6.45am: Japanese GP Apply Two (session begins at 7am)*
8.30am: The F1 Present*
10am: Japanese GP Apply One replay
11.30am: Japanese GP Apply Two replay
Saturday April 6
3.15am: Japanese GP Apply Three (session begins at 3.30am)*
6am: Japanese GP Qualifying build-up*
7am: Japanese GP Qualifying*
9am: Ted’s Qualifying Pocket book*
10am: Japanese GP Qualifying replay
Sunday April 7
5am: Grand Prix Sunday Japanese GP build-up*
6am: The JAPANESE GRAND PRIX*
8am: Chequered Flag: Japanese GP response*
9am: Ted’s Pocket book*
9.30am: Japanese Grand Prix replay
12pm: Japanese Grand Prix highlights
*additionally stay on Sky Sports activities Primary Occasion
Components 1’s largest ever season continues with the Japanese Grand Prix, stay on Sky Sports activities F1 from April 5-7. Stream each F1 race and extra with a NOW Sports activities Month Membership – No contract, cancel anytime
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